Geosynthetics February/March 2020 - 13

An innovative erosion
control solution using
concrete enhanced
synthetic turf
By Bradford H. Cooley and Bryan Scholl

C

oncrete-enhanced synthetic turf (CEST) is a hardened revetment system best
described as a fiber-reinforced, flexible concrete liner. It consists of a highfriction, impermeable geomembrane layer overlain by an engineered synthetic
turf, which is infilled with a 5,000 psi (3.45 × 107 Pa) high-strength cementitious
mix. The turf fibers provide reinforcement of the cementitious infill. They also
provide an aesthetically pleasing natural look and feel. The system is secured to the
subgrade with the high-friction texturing of the geomembrane. An anchor trench
at the perimeter completes anchoring of the system to the subgrade. Midfield
anchorage of the system is not required. An example of an overtopping CEST,
discussed later in this article, is shown in Figure 1.
The specific components of CEST include the following:
* Geomembrane: 50-mil (1.3-mm) high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or linear
low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) structured drain liner, or a 40-mil (1.0-mm)
HDPE or LLDPE textured (double-sided) liner
* Engineered turf: comprised of two (2) polypropylene geotextiles that serve as
the backing for the tufted LLDPE fibers that make up the turf
* Cementitious infill: high-cement-ratio mortar mix with a compressive strength
of 5,000 psi (3.45 ×107 Pa)
Engineered revetment systems are used for preventing erosion in applications where water flow is anticipated to create high velocity or high shear stress
conditions. CEST was developed with these applications in mind, which consist
of the following:
* Lining of channels, steep downchutes, swales and canals
* Overtopping and spillway protection of dams, levees and embankments
* Shoreline protection within basins, impoundments, lakes and reservoirs
CEST has unique features and benefits over other revetment systems,
including articulated concrete block (ACB), rock riprap, concrete paving,

Bradford H. Cooley, P.E., is senior
vice president with Watershed
Geosynthetics in Alpharetta, Ga.
Bryan Scholl, Ph.D., P.E., is
director of engineering with
Watershed Geosynthetics in
Alpharetta, Ga.
All photographs courtesy of the authors.

www.GeosyntheticsMagazine.com

13


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Geosynthetics February/March 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Geosynthetics February/March 2020

Geosynthetics February/March 2020 - Cover1
Geosynthetics February/March 2020 - Cover2
Geosynthetics February/March 2020 - 1
Geosynthetics February/March 2020 - 2
Geosynthetics February/March 2020 - 3
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Geosynthetics February/March 2020 - Cover3
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